Cynthia L. (ceeceelandau) reviewed Playing The Game (Neighborly Affection) on + 282 more book reviews
I'd like to start by saying, this is my first time reading a book by M.Q. Barber and I am in love. This book had character's I instantly fell in love with. The author was able to convey so much emotion and character depth that I felt like I was there with them. With that in mind I'd like to advise that this series had a lot of explicit sex scenes. If your the kind of reader who takes offense in so much sex or would rather read books with sexual tension and less sex, then this book is not for you. For all those who have no problem with it then this book might interest you.
My favorite character was Jay. He's the kind of man who comes across as just another beautiful man, when in fact he's so much more. He's simply can't resist being a good person with a zest for life. He loves being the center of attention and feeds off of praise. It's once you get into the book that you realize how easily he's wounded by words or action. He's so insecure and craves pleasing Henry that at times he comes across as a man child or puppy. No one can help falling in love with him.
Henry is the most complex character I've read. Everything he does has a motive behind it with one sole purpose, to care for those he loves. Sometimes his motives aren't clear at first or you don't see them, yet eventually when it's explained you can't help but thump your forehead with an "now I see". His craving to care and nurture others is shown in how he cares for Jay. He loves him without reservation. He accepts Jay for all his faults and perfection. He knows Jay's triggers and puts every effort in making him whole.
Initially when Alice meets Jay and Henry she believes they are gay and with them being non-threatening as males she allows herself to get to know them better. Eventually Alice falls in love with them, but feels like an outsider. When she discovers they're not gay all bet's are off and she tries for something she's never had....
My favorite character was Jay. He's the kind of man who comes across as just another beautiful man, when in fact he's so much more. He's simply can't resist being a good person with a zest for life. He loves being the center of attention and feeds off of praise. It's once you get into the book that you realize how easily he's wounded by words or action. He's so insecure and craves pleasing Henry that at times he comes across as a man child or puppy. No one can help falling in love with him.
Henry is the most complex character I've read. Everything he does has a motive behind it with one sole purpose, to care for those he loves. Sometimes his motives aren't clear at first or you don't see them, yet eventually when it's explained you can't help but thump your forehead with an "now I see". His craving to care and nurture others is shown in how he cares for Jay. He loves him without reservation. He accepts Jay for all his faults and perfection. He knows Jay's triggers and puts every effort in making him whole.
Initially when Alice meets Jay and Henry she believes they are gay and with them being non-threatening as males she allows herself to get to know them better. Eventually Alice falls in love with them, but feels like an outsider. When she discovers they're not gay all bet's are off and she tries for something she's never had....
